The Choice Between A Liberal Arts Or A Pre-Professional Education

May 1, 2006
Newsletter

May 2006 Newsletter

With the vast array of colleges and universities in the U.S. some offer an education in the liberal arts and sciences, while others are more specialized or pre-professional. Deciding upon the type of education you want, this is a good place to begin your search. So think about your goals for your education and a possible future career. Think about your current academic interests and your skills, abilities and talents.

Liberal Arts Education
A liberal arts education is one that is broad based. Some of the majors offered are within departments such as, literature, language, mathematics and computer science, natural and social sciences, and music, fine and performing arts. Studies have shown that a liberal arts education can teach a student how to be an analytical and creative thinker. Graduate school admissions counselors and employers look for and value these qualities in applicants.

Pre-Professional Education
A pre-professional education trains students for a specific career. Perhaps you would like to be an artist, a musician, a chemical engineer, an architect, a film director, a financial analyst, a software designer, a registered nurse or a physical therapist. If you intend to enter a specialized field you should know that although you are not required to major in a specific area, you may find that concentrations in a more technical area is more appealing to you. Also, take into consideration that many students change their major several times during their first two years of college and that many students who majored in a particular field in college work in a completely different field after they graduate.

Once you decide on the type of education and college you desire, you can begin to select colleges that suit your interests and needs.